Pontoon Usage - Terms and Conditions

STOUR SAILING CLUB

Pontoon Usage - Terms & Conditions

Guiding Principles

This document outlines the usage of our pontoon to ensure fair access, safe operation, and proper maintenance of the facility.
While visitors are always welcome, member access takes priority except during advance bookings or during pre-arranged events.
The pontoon is a shared resource and should not be monopolised by any individual.
By using the pontoon facility, you agree to adhere to the usage and booking system at all times.

Pontoon Layout and Designation

• The pontoon measures approximately 115ft and is divided into 4 marked berths on the outside, and 2 on the inside.

• The most easterly position on the outside is designated as a loading/unloading/water filling zone only.

• The remaining berths are available for booking online via the website.

Pontoon Usage

Loading/Unloading Zone (Easterly Position)

• Available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Maximum stay is 1 hour for loading/unloading and water filling only.

• Users MUST allow other vessels alongside, or vacate, when requested.

• Vessels must not be left unattended during a 1 hour visit.

• May be made available over low water with specific approval being required from the pontoons and quays manager, and again, only if agreed and paid for in advance.

• If you are given special permission to stay over low water, you must be vacate as early as the next incoming tide allows.

Bookable Berths (3 spaces outside, 2 spaces inside)

• Spaces can be booked online via the clubs website, and must be paid for before arrival - if you have any queries please contact the 'Pontoon and Quays Manager', details below.

• Given access is tidal, specific times of arrival and departure will vary, but the basic booking period is to arrive on one high water and leave on the next high water the following day - if unsure, please ask.

• Maximum bookable stay is 3 consecutive nights with no return within 7 nights.

• After your booked and paid-for period on the pontoon, you may continue to stay on a daily, ad-hoc paid-for basis, ONLY if the berth remains unbooked and empty. You do not have a right to stay continuously and you must leave before the next booked vessel is scheduled to arrive and always well before high water. (If there is no other booking when the usual '7 day no return time' expires, you can rebook for another period and continue your stay).

• Other empty berths can also be used on an ad-hoc basis for loading and unloading. However, the same 1-hour rule applies, and you must not leave your vessel unattended at any time.

• Bookings must be paid for in advance and any failure to do this renders the booking 'unconfirmed', and others may be given priority.

• Refunds only in exceptional circumstances and if approved by the Pontoons and Quays Manager.

• Users must vacate immediately if the next booked user arrives, and in any case, well before high water to allow incoming vessels to arrive before the top of the tide.

• Boats cannot be left unattended on non-booked berths.

• Club events, safety vessels, and organised training sessions may have priority, and affect availability.

Booking fees

• Members Berth currently: £5 per night
• Visitors Berth currently: £10 per night
• All bookings must be made in advance through the website, and paid for online - queries can be answered by the Pontoons and Quays Manager.
• Unpaid bookings may not be honoured, only full payment confirms the booking. (NB. Members and Visitors registered on our website can check their outstanding invoices within their 'user portal').

Facilities

• Electricity and Water may be available upon request. Max electrical load is 1.5kW, no splitter plugs are to be used. Please turn off when not in use.
• Visitors will have 24hrs access to the clubhouse kitchen, bathroom and shower usage. Please leave in a clean, hygienic and respectable manner.
• Codes for the pontoon gate and clubhouse can be obtained at the time of booking. Under no circumstances should the gate access codes be given to anyone that is not crew, or a legitimate visitor, and the access gate should always be closed for security of both boats and possessions.
• The pontoon must be maintained in a clean and tidy condition at all times. All waste materials must be disposed of using appropriate methods and must not be discarded on the pontoon, within the compounds, or into the river.

Safety and T's and C's

• Everyone using the club's pontoons does so at their own risk. Always exercise care and consideration for others while taking weather and estuary conditions into account before arriving. There may be times when northerly winds and rough water make the berths unsuitable for some vessels; in such cases, do not take unnecessary risks depart, and consider arranging a swinging mooring if needed.
• Anyone failing to adhere to these 'Pontoon Usage Terms and Conditions' may be barred from using these facilities for the remainder of the season, and/or permanently.
• All payment information is available during the booking process, including invoices if you require them. Invoices are also available within your members portal, and it is your responsibility to obtain any paperwork you require, and print it out if you need.
• Anyone failing to pay for the berth they have occupied may not return until full payment is received.
• Berth users must maintain adequate insurance.
• Vessels must be properly secured with regular inspection by owners required.
• All vessels must be adequately fendered on both sides.
• Maximum vessel length is normally 30 feet (9 meters), unless by prior agreement with the pontoon and quays manager.
• Maximum vessel displacement: 10 tons.
• Rafting is limited to two vessels deep, subject to weather conditions.
• Children under 12 must wear life jackets on the pontoon.
• No emptying of sea toilets on pontoon.
• Care should be taken in refuelling of craft.
• Members must report any damage to the club's pontoons and notify the mooring master immediately.

Enforcement

• The Pontoons and Quays Managers decisions regarding pontoon usage are final.
• Any member found abusing these rules will be barred from booking the pontoon for the remainder of the season.
• Repeated violations may result in disciplinary action by the club committee.

Pontoons and Quays Manager Contact Information

Telephone: 01206 39393924 Email: pontoonsandquays@stoursailingclub.co.uk

Last updated 11:39 on 23 March 2026